Start your journey.
Every visit begins with a personalised consultation. Our team will guide you to the right treatment for your skin and goals.
A minimally invasive lifting procedure using dissolvable threads — providing a gentle mechanical lift while stimulating long-term collagen production for progressive, natural results.
PDO (polydioxanone) thread lifts use fine, dissolvable surgical threads to provide a gentle physical lift to sagging facial tissues, while simultaneously stimulating the body's own collagen production as the threads dissolve over several months.
Unlike surgical facelifts, there are no incisions or general anaesthetic. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic at our Marlow clinic, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days. The result is a more defined jawline, reduced jowling and an overall lift to the lower face.
At DermaMedica, PDO threads are often used as part of a combination approach — working alongside dermal fillers or Sculptra to address both the structural lift and volume components of facial ageing simultaneously.
The treatment area is mapped and anaesthetic is administered to ensure comfort throughout. Entry points are marked with surgical precision based on your facial anatomy.
Fine PDO threads are inserted using cannulas along pre-planned vectors. Once placed, the threads are anchored and gently tensioned to provide an immediate mechanical lift.
As the threads dissolve over 4–6 months, they trigger a controlled inflammatory response that stimulates new collagen production. The lifting effect continues to improve for several months after the procedure.
A surgical facelift removes excess skin and repositions deeper facial tissues under general anaesthetic. A PDO thread lift provides a subtler lift without surgery, incisions or lengthy recovery — making it suitable for patients who are not ready for surgery or who want a more gradual, natural result.
PDO threads work best for patients with mild to moderate facial laxity who want a visible lift without surgery. They are not a replacement for a surgical facelift in patients with significant skin excess, but they are an excellent option for the right patient.
Local anaesthetic is administered before treatment, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Some patients experience tightness or tenderness for a few days after.
This depends on the degree of laxity and the area being treated. Most jawline treatments use 4–8 threads per side. Your clinician will discuss this at consultation.
Yes — and this is often recommended. Threads provide the lift; fillers restore volume. Together they address the two main components of facial ageing simultaneously.
Unlike fillers, threads cannot be dissolved. However, the procedure is reversible in the sense that any visible threads can be removed by the clinician if needed. Results are also temporary and will fully resolve as threads dissolve.
PDO threads are widely used in medical practice and have a good safety profile. Risks include bruising, swelling, infection (rare), visible thread ends (manageable) and asymmetry. All risks are discussed in detail at your consultation.
Medical note: All treatments at DermaMedica are administered by, or under the supervision of, GMC-registered doctors. A face-to-face medical consultation is required before treatment. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Full safety information is provided at consultation.
Every patient is different. If this treatment isn't the right fit, one of these alternatives may be exactly what you need.
Combine threads with Sculptra for both mechanical lift and deep collagen stimulation — the most powerful non-surgical rejuvenation protocol available.
Threads lift; fillers restore volume. Together they address the full picture of facial ageing for a comprehensively refreshed result.
Profhilo improves skin quality and laxity alongside your thread lift — an ideal pairing for overall facial rejuvenation.
Still unsure? Our consultation is always free and never high-pressure.
Book a Free Consultation →
Every visit begins with a personalised consultation. Our team will guide you to the right treatment for your skin and goals.